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Foramen ovale

Structures seen on the inferior view of the base of the skull.

The foramen ovale is an oval-shaped opening situated in the middle cranial fossa. More specifically, it is located in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone, lateral to the lingula and posterolateral to the foramen rotundum

The foramen ovale functions as the passageway for neurovascular structures which pass from the middle cranial fossa into the infratemporal fossa. These neurovascular structures usually include: 

Terminology English: Foramen ovale
Latin
: Foramen ovale
Definition A large oval-shaped opening situated in the middle cranial fossa.
Contents The mandibular nerve (CN V3);
The accessory meningeal artery;
The lesser superficial petrosal nerve;
The emissary vein
Contents
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Learn about the other openings and features located in the base of the skull with the following study unit:

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